12 May 2022
With 50 years of marriage behind them, Kevin and Judith Cameron had shared more of life together than many. So when Judith was diagnosed with stomach cancer, her husband was naturally devastated.
“Judy was the person I sat down with every evening to talk about how our days had been, and there were conversations we had that are only ever shared between happily married couples,” he says.
To begin with the focus of Judith’s care was on recovery, but after she didn’t respond well to surgery that focus shifted to palliative care.
“That’s when Harbour Hospice stepped in to support us and they were there every step of the way,” Kevin says.
It was important to Judith that she be cared for at home because “her home was her castle”, Kevin says. “She loved it. And it was my personal choice to care for her at home too, I wanted to be able to do that for her.”
With the help of Hospice’ community team Judith’s wish was fulfilled, and while she still had some tough days, the team managed her pain levels and helped ease the way.
Judith had 10 precious weeks at home with her family before taking her final breath on 3 May 2021.
Kevin says those 10 weeks were the “hardest of my life, but I felt privileged to be able to do it”.
“The nurses came in and out of our home seamlessly. We never felt judged, we never felt under any pressure.
“One night I had to ring them at midnight because I wasn’t sure what to do and the nurse who answered the phone was so reassuring.
“They really were like angels without wings. They’re the most remarkable people I’ve ever had dealings with.”
Judith’s passing has left a “huge hole” in Kevin’s life, but he takes great comfort in the fact she was able to live out the remainder of her life in the place she called home with those she loved around her.
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